The manager did seem to think they were compatible last season, when he played them six times in the starting XI

Unless José Mourinho changes his plans, Higuaín’s recovery from injury will almost certainly see a return to his policy of rotating the club’s centre-forwards. At least, you would think so based on the fact that the Argentine and Benzema didn’t start a game together this season before 6th November when Higuaín fell injured.

Despite this, the manager did seem to think they were compatible last season, when he played them six times in the starting XI. Their performances and their understanding on the pitch were more than satisfactory. They interchanged their positions well, although Benzema usually played on the right whilst Higuaín played in a more central role, closer to the area.

The fact that they haven’t played together this season could have one of two tactical explanations: the first is that the coach prefers to always play with a talented and trustworthy striker on the bench, who can take to the pitch when the going gets tough. The second has to do with the arrival of Modric and the progress made by Callejón this season. Both play in an attacking midfield role, tucked in behind the striker and have been an alternative to Özil and Di María when these haven’t played.